Polish Potato Soup, or Zupa Ziemniaczana, is a rich and hearty soup perfect for cold days. This traditional soup showcases simple ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and onions, all cooked to tender perfection in a savory broth. The addition of kielbasa offers a smoky flavor, while heavy cream or tempered sour cream adds a creamy richness that makes every spoonful incredibly comforting. Topped with fresh dill, this soup is a delicious reflection of Polish home-cooking and will fill your home with warmth and nostalgia.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 5 oz kielbasa (optional, diced)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or tempered sour cream, see notes below)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Peel and slice the carrots into rounds. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic.
- Cook the vegetables: In a large pot, combine the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring that the vegetables are fully covered by the liquid.
- Optional step with kielbasa: If you are using kielbasa, dice it and add it to the pot with the vegetables. Kielbasa adds a smoky, meaty flavor to the soup but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the cream: Once the vegetables are fully cooked, stir in the heavy cream (or tempered sour cream). If using sour cream, temper it by gradually adding a little of the hot soup broth to the sour cream before stirring it into the soup to prevent curdling.
- Season and add dill: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the chopped fresh dill.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra dill if desired. Serve hot with a slice of rustic bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
- Tempering sour cream: If you prefer sour cream over heavy cream, make sure to temper it first. Slowly whisk small amounts of the hot soup into the sour cream before adding it to the soup pot. This will prevent the sour cream from curdling.
- Broth choices: Use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian, or chicken broth for a richer, deeper flavor.
- Potato types: Yukon Gold potatoes add a buttery texture, while Russet potatoes are starchy and break down more easily, making the soup even creamier.
- Smoky flavor: Adding kielbasa brings a smoky depth to the soup, but for a vegetarian version, consider using smoked paprika to replicate that flavor.
- Add crunch: For a crunchy contrast, serve with croutons or freshly baked bread on the side.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: High in potassium and vitamin C, potatoes are an excellent energy source while supporting heart health and the immune system.
- Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene, carrots promote healthy eyesight and provide antioxidants.
- Onions and garlic: Known for their immune-boosting properties, onions and garlic add a flavorful, savory base to the soup.
- Dill: This fresh herb adds a burst of flavor and provides health benefits like supporting digestion and reducing inflammation.
- Heavy cream or sour cream: Both add richness and flavor, though heavy cream offers more fat and a smoother texture, while sour cream provides a tangy note and probiotics.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic comfort food: The combination of creamy potatoes and smoky kielbasa is the definition of comfort food, making it perfect for cozy nights in.
- Nutritious and filling: Packed with vegetables and nourishing broth, this soup will keep you full and satisfied while providing essential nutrients.
- Customizable: With options to add or omit ingredients like kielbasa or adjust the creaminess, this recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences.
- Quick and simple: Ready in under an hour, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Traditional Polish flavors: The authentic combination of dill and potatoes brings the rich culinary traditions of Poland to your table.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian option: Skip the kielbasa and use vegetable broth to make this a vegetarian soup.
- Gluten-free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, just double-check your broth and kielbasa labels to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are included.
- Low-carb variation: While potatoes are the star, you can reduce the carbohydrate load by substituting some or all of the potatoes with cauliflower florets.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Potatoes and carrots contribute essential vitamins like A and C, while garlic and dill bring added health benefits.
Why This Recipe Works
Polish Potato Soup strikes the perfect balance between creamy richness and comforting simplicity. The use of heavy cream or sour cream adds a smooth texture to the naturally starchy potatoes, while kielbasa enhances the flavors with its smoky taste. The fresh dill provides a bright and herby contrast, rounding out the dish. This recipe brings together traditional Polish flavors in a hearty, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any time of year.
Conclusion
Polish Potato Soup, or Zupa Ziemniaczana, is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, comforting dishes. With its creamy base, tender vegetables, and a burst of fresh dill, it’s a soup that brings the comforting flavors of home cooking to your table. Whether you serve it as a meal or as a starter, this versatile soup will leave everyone feeling satisfied and warm. Perfect for chilly days, it’s a great way to enjoy a traditional Polish favorite.
PrintPolish Potato Soup (Zupa Ziemniaczana): A Comforting Traditional Delight
- Total Time: 45mins
Description
Polish Potato Soup, or Zupa Ziemniaczana, is a rich and hearty soup perfect for cold days. This traditional soup showcases simple ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and onions, all cooked to tender perfection in a savory broth. The addition of kielbasa offers a smoky flavor, while heavy cream or tempered sour cream adds a creamy richness that makes every spoonful incredibly comforting. Topped with fresh dill, this soup is a delicious reflection of Polish home-cooking and will fill your home with warmth and nostalgia.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 5 oz kielbasa (optional, diced)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or tempered sour cream, see notes below)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Peel and slice the carrots into rounds. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic.
- Cook the vegetables: In a large pot, combine the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring that the vegetables are fully covered by the liquid.
- Optional step with kielbasa: If you are using kielbasa, dice it and add it to the pot with the vegetables. Kielbasa adds a smoky, meaty flavor to the soup but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the cream: Once the vegetables are fully cooked, stir in the heavy cream (or tempered sour cream). If using sour cream, temper it by gradually adding a little of the hot soup broth to the sour cream before stirring it into the soup to prevent curdling.
- Season and add dill: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the chopped fresh dill.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra dill if desired. Serve hot with a slice of rustic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 30mins